A person caught praying outside an abortion clinic in England can now face up to six months in prison—even if they pray silently.
In a 297-110 vote, members of Parliament backed an amendment to the Government’s Public Order Bill that would outlaw the offering of prayer and advice to women outside of abortion clinics.
Labour Member of Parliament (MP) Stella Creasy introduced the bill to protect women from alleged “intimidation and harassment” but critics argue it restricts freedom of speech and expression.
“There is no evidence of the scale of harassment related, indeed, some in this house have referred to today. Therefore, I would take this amendment is not necessary,” said MP Carla Lockhart. “It would risk all intended consequences for freedom of speech and freedom of expression, and it would be bad for women.”
She added, “So a blanket ban is an unnecessary and disproportionate response, especially when the police can protect women through other lawful means. The police already have the tools they need to protect women.”
One woman who had her baby’s life saved because of a pro-life volunteer called the new measure a “bad idea.”
“The potential introduction of buffer zones is a really bad idea because women like me, what would they do then,” she asked. “You know, not every woman that walks into those clinics actually wants to go through with the termination. There’s immense pressure, maybe they don’t have financial means to support themselves or their baby, or they feel like there’s no alternatives. These people offer alternatives.”
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